War in Ukraine may drag on as Russia delays peace talks, says Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
It is likely necessary to prepare for a prolonged war in Ukraine, as Russia is delaying peace talks, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to Sky News.
"Wars typically end because of economic or military exhaustion on one side or on both sides and in this war we are obviously still far from reaching that," Merz said.
Therefore, according to him, so "we may have to prepare for a longer duration" of war in Ukraine.
Russia delays ceasefire
Recall that Russia refused to agree to an unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days during talks with Ukraine in Istanbul.
The parties agreed to submit their proposals for a possible ceasefire in writing.
A few days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is allegedly ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum that may include a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed outrage over Russia's delay in implementing a ceasefire. According to him, Russia has failed to prepare a memorandum on a ceasefire with Ukraine within a week.
"Moscow is mocking the entire world," he said.
